Withering Empire

Hitaro discovers the truth about the Crane Clan Champion. The Emerald Champion and the counter-conspirators move against the Gozoku. After the dust settles and the conspirators are brought low, Toturi Jakuchu cedes the throne to Akodo Katsumi.

Hitaro and his squad track down a group of scouts from the 3rd Legion. Meanwhile, Miyu and her colleagues must help Tsuruchi Ogai and Seppun Kiyomori sneak out of Kyuden Doji with vital information on the Gozoku.

Kikuro, his hatamoto and his allies must neutralize the Emperor's entourage at Court to keep him from unwittingly getting rid of them for the Gozoku.

Otomo Teruyo creates controversy on the council when she suggests establishing a Constitution for the Empire that could potentially limit the Emperor's power. Meanwhile, Daidoji Hitaro and his men must track down a group of deserters.

Doji Umeko and Daidoji Motoki brief Doji Kikuro and his hatamoto on the situation at Court. Two hatamoto leave for the front, while two new members join Kikuro's entourage.

Cornered, Isawa Tadanobu creates massive destrcution in Morikage Toshi when his Unicorn allies turn on him. Doji Kikuro and his hatamoto receive a hero's welcome in Kyuden Doji when they return from Phoenix lands.

The Lion and the Crane delegations present their case to the Elemental Council. In the end, the Council decides to side with Toturi Jakuchu, leading the Unicorn Khan to rethink his support for Isawa Tadanobu.